Ott Lepland brings determination to the stage and the gym

Singer Ott Lepland approaches training with the same passion and determination he brings to writing and performing music – you can find him working hard at Sparta gym at least three times a week.

Much-loved singer Ott Lepland acknowledges that, as a busy performing artist, he needs to look after his health, fitness and, of course, his appearance.

Yet he has not always been conscious of this. Ott admits that after winning the third season of Estonia’s Idol talent show in 2009, he let exercise slide a little. His overnight rise to fame plunged the young singer into a whirlwind of performances. How could he find time to work out with such a relentless schedule?

Alongside numerous solo concerts, his talent-show victory was followed by a winning appearance on “Laulupealinn”, representing Estonia at Eurovision and, to top it all off, finishing a close second to Koit Toome in last year’s final of “Su nägu kõlab tuttavalt”. Ott Lepland really has been like King Midas, turning everything he touches to gold.

How has Ott kept a cool head and a warm heart amid all this extraordinary success and acclaim? He has not let it go to his head, keeping both feet firmly on the ground. “I’m convinced that success comes to those who have the courage to keep developing and step outside their comfort zone. In music and sport alike. In life in general.”

These days, Ott acknowledges that he has had the sporting bug since he was a little boy. At around ten years old, he started football training in Jüri to channel his energy. “I was a striker,” recalls Ott, who was “lured” to Sparta by Andres Puusepp, one of the presenters of Power Hit Radio’s morning show.

“Training is more fun when you spur each other on,” says Andres Puusepp, praising his friend Ott’s dedication in the gym, too.

Praise for the wide range of equipment at Sparta gym

To get them started, Argo Ader assessed both men’s body composition and put together a training program.

At 180 cm tall, Ott recorded a body weight of 77 kilograms on the scales at Sparta. “My body mass index was fine, and Argo said I could easily gain a couple of kilos of muscle,” says Ott. He adds that, alongside wanting to look good on stage, having friends there and enjoying Sparta’s atmosphere motivate him to come in and train.

“Of all the clubs I’ve been to, Sparta is the best fit for me,” Ott confirms, reserving particular praise for the extensive range of machines at Estonia’s most spacious gym. “There are 3-4 machines for each muscle group that do the same job. Even in the evening, when it’s busy, everyone can find something that suits them,” says the singer appreciatively.

Ott also likes knowing that he can drop into Sparta at any time without worrying about attracting too much attention from other gym-goers. “A lot of public figures train at Sparta, and people here are used to them,” says Ott, probably alluding in part to his good friend Tanel Padar. The pair enjoy spending time together in the band “Vallatud vestid”, among other things, and Padar also stays in shape for the stage at Sparta.

Soon, Ott plans to broaden his training routine to include group fitness classes. “So far, I’ve done my aerobic training by running in the cardio area, but I think I’d also enjoy giving the aerobics studio a try,” he says.

Kanter and Nabi are his favorite athletes

Ott admits that, as well as training regularly, he enjoys being an armchair sports fan. Which of Estonia’s top athletes does he support? “In recent years, I’ve really admired discus thrower Gerd Kanter – his tremendous willpower, dedication and determination are simply astonishing,” says Ott, adding that Kanter positively radiates honesty. So does Ott’s other favorite athlete, wrestler Heiki Nabi. “He’s determined too, but also very modest – I admire that.”

Those qualities also come through in Ott’s own manner. Honesty. Determination. Dedication.

Ott knows that now is the right time to get in shape at the gym for the major performances and tours ahead.

In March, he will give three exclusive concerts with his idol, the legendary Tõnis Mägi. Ott admits that the honor sometimes makes his knees tremble and puts a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His first tribute to the veteran singer was his performance of “Koit” in the final of “Su nägu kõlab tuttavalt”, which must have given thousands of Estonians goosebumps.

A bigger project awaits Ott in the summer, but for now it is best kept under wraps.

Indeed, let something remain a secret.